Repairs needed for Shrewsbury Cathedral roof
Repairs are likely to be required to the roof of Shrewsbury Cathedral after it was damaged by bad weather over the winter.
Father Chris Matthews, cathedral sub-dean, said gales and storms over the winter months had left the roof in need of repair.
An engineer was examining the roof of the church yesterday to work out potential cost estimates.
Father Matthews said it was unlikely major repair work would be needed, but added tiles had fallen from the roof over the winter.
The priest said the Diocese of Shrewsbury now intends to apply for a grant from the £20 million set aside by Chancellor George Osborne in last week's Budget for the maintenance of the country's cathedrals.
Father Matthews said the money would ensure the cathedral was properly maintained.
"It is fantastic news. It just helps us maintain and develop the property not only parishioners but also for visitors," he said.
Shrewsbury Cathedral, which has a full name of the Cathedral Church of Our Lady Help of Christians and St Peter of Alcantara was opened in 1856 after three years of building work.
Bishop Mark Davies uses the cathedral to preside over the Diocese of Shrewsbury, which covers the whole of Shropshire, parts of Merseyside south of the River Mersey, the southern parts of Greater Manchester, parts of Derbyshire and the counties of New Cheshire.
There are 18 Catholic cathedrals in England and grants will help to meet the costs of urgent repairs to some of them, as well as the Church of England's 42 cathedrals.
The Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England welcomed last week's announcement of the new two-year fund.
But the Church of England warned it predicts an £87 million funding shortfall for cathedral repairs over the next five years.
Janet Gough, director of cathedral and church buildings for the Church of England, said: "The Church of England's has 12,500 listed cathedrals and church buildings which comprise unparalleled glories and a history of architecture.
"We are delighted that this announcement now makes it possible for every cathedral to apply to receive support for repairs to their buildings, which will help enable their continued worship and local ministry."
The Patrimony Committee of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has also expressed delight over the announcement by the Chancellor.
The Most Reverend George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff and chairman of the Patrimony Committee, said: "The news of new funding for the repair of cathedrals is extremely welcome.
"Every cathedral, of whatever age, needs repair over time. The availability of funding through this new grant scheme will help preserve and protect the priceless heritage of our cathedrals.
"Not only will the thousands who visit them benefit from this grant scheme, but also those who worship in our cathedrals and seek to preserve them for future generations."
